June 30 Days Writing Challenge - Life Hack - Day Twenty First: Be A Minimalist
I am not a sentimental person. When a stuff or gadget starts to dwindle and is no use for me, I openly throw it away without any second thoughts. My hubby used to tease me before about my unsentimental attitude. He said that good thing he’s not one of my “stuff” because that means I can’t throw him away easily. We are a total opposite when it comes to our things. For example, an old cellphone will be thrown straight at the trash but for my hubby he will keep them as a memorabilia. This irks me sometimes because I only see them as clutter but what he does is keep everything in a safe box so I also keep my hands off.
Back to today’s life hack topic, I believe being a Minimalist is the way to go. We don’t need many material things in life, only what is our necessity. We’re all guilty of keeping a stuff that is of no use for us in the future. It will only be a clutter in our home like an old cellphone or any gadget that can’t be repaired, an old notebook full of doodles or those books that were just put on display.
Being Minimalist means less clutter and happier life!
So how to be a Minimalist? I will give you 3 tips:
1.Don’t buy things just because it is cheap.
These are the stuff that are cheap or on sale because chances are you won’t really use the things you bought on impulse. Yes, you’ll definitely be tempted on a 50% off or a “buy 1, take 1” shoes in the mall but you have to make it a habit to ask yourself at least five times before you make a decision. Don’t end up buying something that you don’t really need as this contributes to the mess in your home and waste your money too. Only buy the things you need.
2. Assign a life span to each things you own.
I learned this from @dragosroua and it is actually interesting to assign a life span on things.
Here is an excerpt from his post:
For instance, invoices will be around 4 years. Electronics, not more than 2 years. Memories, well if they are tiny, probably "for ever", but even in this case I decided to throw away some of them that are really old, like from trips I made 8-9 years ago. Everything else must go instantly. Or placed in a storage facility.
If you’re a student, you can keep your school documents like quizzes, projects and reports until you graduate and receive your diploma. After that, you can throw them away. If you’re an adult, receipt can be kept for 4 years and documents that are non-government can go about 5 years. Take note, NEVER throw away government related forms and documents because you will need those files in the future somehow.
I love my phone and the technology in general because they create a clutter-free home for me too. All of my notes, photos and even books (through e-books) can now be filed on my phone. No need to buy so many notebooks and other gadgets like camera since my phone already has a great camera. I don’t buy hardbound books nowadays. Although I love the smell of a newly printed book, it will only be clutter in our shabby little home. A Tip: Take advantage of your smartphone.
3. Live a simple life
Here’s a challenge for you, instead of buying your want why not just save your money instead. You don’t have to buy the trendiest clothes or latest gadgets. Living a simple life also means no hassle and stress. Dress less, eat simple and buy nothing but necessity.
Nowadays, you’ll be lured in making purchases just because they are on sale or the latest trend. Aiming to be a Minimalist is the way to a healthier lifestyle because this will help you choose needs over wants and savings over spendings.
June 22, 2018 - 5:00 PM
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